“NBA script writers are happy tonight” – Kobe Bryant’s 81-point anniversary tributed with Joel Embiid and KAT’s combined 132 points leaves fans excited

Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns set both franchise and career records with their brilliant individual performances.

“NBA script writers are happy tonight” – Kobe Bryant’s 81-point anniversary tributed with Joel Embiid and KAT’s combined 132 points leaves fans excited

Kobe Bryant (Left), Joel Embiid (Middle) and Karl Anthony Towns (Right) (via Open Source/X)

History unfolded at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia and the Target Center in Minneapolis during last night’s NBA games. The matchups between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs, as well as the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Charlotte Hornets, marked significant moments in the league.

On the 18th anniversary of Kobe Bryant‘s historic 81-point game for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Toronto Raptors, last night’s games saw superstars Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Karl-Anthony Towns achieving remarkable milestones. Embiid set a new franchise and career record with an impressive 70-point performance, while Anthony Towns also etched his name in the record books with a stellar 62-point display.

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Embiid speaking after the game said:

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From the time I started playing. He’s the reason why I started playing basketball. It’s funny, on the same night, he got 81 and that was my favorite player.

Throughout NBA history, 36 players have achieved the remarkable feat of scoring 60 or more points in a single game. Among them, a select group of seven players has accomplished this extraordinary feat on more than one occasion. This exclusive list includes Wilt Chamberlain (32 times), Kobe Bryant (6 times), Damian Lillard (5 times), Michael Jordan (4 times), James Harden (4 times), Elgin Baylor (3 times), and Karl-Anthony Towns (2 times).

Notably, Wilt Chamberlain holds the prestigious single-game scoring record, having achieved an astonishing 100 points in a game back in 1962. Devin Booker stands as the youngest player to accomplish this feat in a regular-season game, achieving 70 points at the age of 20 years and 145 days. On the other hand, Kobe Bryant holds the record as the oldest player to score at least 60 points in a regular-season game, achieving the milestone at 37 years and 234 days.

Fans react to unbelievable Joel Embiid and Karl Anthony Towns history moment

The global NBA fan base marveled at the impressive tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, who achieved a remarkable 81 points 18 years ago. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid’s 70-point performance not only secured his place in the 12th spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list but also shattered Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers team record of 68 points.

Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid (via Open Source/X)

A couple of fans’ reactions below:

The late Kobe will be proud of the way his legacy was honored. Of course, the performances also stand testimony to the growing ease of scoring in the overall NBA, as well.

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